Listen Up!

When I was a kid, adults always told me that if I watched too much TV, my eyes would turn square. Those adults clearly never foresaw having to do online school during a pandemic. Between classes, readings, and assignments, we are spending all day every day staring at our screens. Heading into the busiest time of the semester, I can feel my eyes screaming at me to take a break simply for the sake of preserving my vision. With so many of us still living in lockdown however, it often feels like straining my eyes watching or reading something are my only choices for a break.

Enter podcasts. 

I’ve always loved listening to podcasts, but this semester they’ve become indispensable. Listening to them after a long day of work is a great way to unwind without having to put my eyes through even more screen time. So, I’ve compiled a list of amazing, binge-worthy podcasts to listen to while giving your tired eyes a break. 

Serial

If you’re at all familiar with podcasts or true crime in general, this one has probably been recommended to you a million times already — but for good reason. Hosted by investigative-journalist Sarah Koenig, Serial methodically goes into the details of a different criminal case each season. Championed as the gold-standard of long-form, first person podcasting, this show is 100% fascinating and bingeable. With this one, the best place to start is season one, episode one. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop. 

The Faculty of Horror 

Life-long horror fan? New to the genre and have no idea where to start? This podcast is exactly what you need. Co-hosts Andrea Subissati and Alexandra West methodically delve into one to two horror movies a month, making you see new or classic horror films in an entirely new way. With their smart analysis, interesting research, and general witty banter, it is a show everyone will like. To get a taste, I’d recommend either their episode on Gremlins or The Exorcist.  

David Tennant Does a Podcast With…

This podcast is just lovely. Each episode, actor and host David Tennant invites a guest on for an hour-long conversation to talk about their career and just life in general. It’s funny, casual, and great to have on in the background while out for a walk or making dinner. An overall great comfort podcast. I’d recommend starting with his episode with Olivia Coleman or Dan Levy, if you’re curious. 

The Alarmist 

Have you ever wondered who is to blame for history’s biggest tragedies? In each episode, host Rebecca Delgado-Smith and guest dissect facts and investigate historical contexts to uncover who we ought to blame for all things horrible. You’ll get a lot of facts and a lot of jokes, and, during this time of perpetual uncertainty and crisis, it feels good to be able to blame someone for something. I’d suggest starting with the “TRIANGLE SHIRTWAIST FIRE: WHO IS TO BLAME?” — there are definitely plenty of people to blame there.  

You Must Remember This
If you’re at all interested in Hollywood cinema, this is the show for you. This podcast is dedicated to exploring the secrets and stories of 20^th century Hollywood. Led by Karina Longworth, the show navigates mythology and contradictions to uncover the stories behind the stories we love. If you’re interested, a great entry point is her 12-part series on the Manson family, which explains just how intertwined the case was with Hollywood life, or her most recent season on Polly Platt, the woman behind some of the most well known films of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.